Dakota Meyer, a Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient, is making headlines once again, not for his battlefield bravery, but for his decision to return to service. Fifteen years after leaving active duty, Meyer has reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves. His announcement came during a press briefing on Thursday, preceding his official reenlistment ceremony.
Meyer, known for his courageous actions during the Afghanistan War, explained his decision to re-enter military service by stating simply that he felt he “had more to give.” This return to duty comes after years of outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, he clarified his intention to remain apolitical during his time in uniform, stating, “The great part about being in the reserves is I’m still a citizen when I’m not on orders. When I’m on orders I’ll comply obviously with whatever the standard is.”
His remarkable heroism in Afghanistan, which earned him the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama in 2011, is well documented. During a six-hour firefight in the Ganjgal Valley on September 8, 2009, Meyer repeatedly charged into heavy enemy fire in a Humvee, rescuing 36 comrades, both American and Afghan, from a deadly Taliban ambush. His actions resulted in the deaths of at least eight Taliban fighters and are credited with saving countless lives. Tragically, five American soldiers perished in the ambush.
Meyer’s life outside of the military has also been quite public. In 2016, he married Bristol Palin, daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. He remains a vocal advocate for service members, notably speaking out against the imprisonment of Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who faced legal action for criticizing the Afghanistan withdrawal on social media while in uniform.
Meyer’s reenlistment is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and country. His decision to return to the reserves, while navigating a complex political landscape, underscores his dedication and willingness to continue serving his nation in a new capacity. The Marine Corps, and indeed the nation, will undoubtedly benefit from his experience and leadership.
